Devils re-sign five; Brodeur has agent

While Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has begun weighing his options by hiring an agent on Friday, two days before the start of the NHL's free-agency period, his team re-signed five players.

The Associated Press

While Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has begun weighing his options by hiring an agent on Friday, two days before the start of the NHL's free-agency period, his team re-signed five players.

Prominent NHL agent Pat Brisson confirmed in a text that he's been hired by Brodeur, the four-time Vezina Trophy winner who has completed the final year of his contract. Though Brodeur has indicated he'd prefer re-signing with the Devils, Brisson wrote, "We will see," when asked if the goalie would consider testing free agency.

Canada's TSN first reported earlier in the day that Brodeur had hired Brisson.

Brodeur had previously represented himself in negotiating contracts.

The 40-year-old Brodeur leads NHL goalies in most every statistical career category, including most regular-season wins (656), regular-season shutouts (119) and playoff shutouts (24). He's spent his entire 19-year career with the Devils.

Aside from Brodeur, the Devils also have to try to get a new deal done with captain and top forward Zach Parise.

The Devils began the process of at least securing five players, including the entire fourth line — Steve Bernier, Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta — that was put together in time for the playoffs and played a key role in victories over the Panthers, Rangers and Flyers. Also re-signed were forward Cam Janssen and defenseman Peter Harrold.